I announced recently on social media that I was working on a book. Last night I finished the first draft of The Lazy Historian’s Guide to the Wives of Henry VIII, my first non-fiction book. (I already have three novels under my belt, the first of which was shortlisted for the Prince Edward Island Book Award.) You might be thinking, “Does the world need another book about the …

This book was sent to me by Pen and Sword Books in exchange for an honest review. Elegant Etiquette in the Nineteenth Century by Mallory James is a compact little book published last month. (To be published in the US in March.) This book covers the do’s and don’ts of living in high society during the 1800s and features handy examples of social situations in …

This book was sent to me by Pen and Sword Books in exchange for an honest review. Queens of Georgian Britain by Catherine Curzon ticks several significant boxes for me: Georgian/English history, queens and a book containing several biographies of fascinating women. I was also drawn to this book because I live in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, named for Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of George III. …

This book was sent to me by Pen and Sword Books in exchange for an honest review. I sometimes get the feeling that accessibility is why some people don’t get into history. I mean, history is the best. Why wouldn’t a person be into history?! But when you look at the main portal for getting into history, most of the time it’s going to be books. Thick …

This book was sent to me by Page Street Publishing in exchange for an honest review. There are few historical costuming bloggers as well known as The American Duchess. Lauren has been blogging about historical clothing since 2009 and her Instagram is one of the most impressive sewing-related social media accounts out there. I’m excited to have had the chance to review The American Duchess …

Published in April 2017, Young and Damned and Fair: The Life of Catherine Howard, Fifth Wife of King Henry VIII by Gareth Russell is a worthwhile addition to your Tudor history bookshelf. Russell digs further into Catherine’s short and tragic life while weaving in everyday details of Tudor England inside and outside the royal court. The author gives some very persuasive arguments about his findings regarding some …

I recently finished a hand embroidered hoop project featuring a quote from Elizabeth I. AND IT COULD BE YOURS! Anyone who signs up for my new e-newsletter, Links from the Past, will be entered to win this nerdy but generally adorable decor piece. Links from the Past is a monthly newsletter launching January 1, 2018. Each issue will feature a curated list of the best history …

In March of last year, I blogged about Vincent van Gogh’s struggle with mental illness. At the end of that article I mentioned Loving Vincent, an upcoming film about Vincent van Gogh’s final days. Last night, after what feels like years of waiting, I finally got to see the film. Loving Vincent is a triumphant combination of a tragic story and mind-blowing artistic visuals. Each frame …

A big thanks to author Frank Jastrzembski for stopping by the blog and answering some questions about his book, Valentine Baker’s Heroic Stand At Tashkessen 1877: A Tarnished British Soldier’s Glorious Victory. You can enter to win an ebook version of this book by leaving a comment below. The winner will be drawn randomly and receive a Kindle or ePub version of the ebook. Good …

I’m thrilled to share this interview with you! I got the chance to interview the two lovely and charming hosts of The Morbid History podcast, Charli and Katie. These two friends loooove stories of guts and gore from the past. Is there a better month than October to have this interview? I think not! Tell me a little bit about the Morbid History Podcast. Charli: …